It is necessary that the smoke detectors that are in your home or your property are lit all the time for security reasons. But if you want to change the battery or the alarm goes off accidentally, you must disarm the unit by turning off the battery-powered alarm. Each smoke alarm is designed slightly differently, but you can turn it off within minutes after locating the battery holder and cables.
Is it time to replace the smoke alarm?
Battery or electric smoke alarms
Once a month :
- Press the test button for a few seconds. A sound signal should be heard immediately. If it does not, change the battery.
- Check also when returning from vacation or after an absence of more than seven days. Indeed, the sound signal indicating a low battery is not heard more than a week.
- Also, check the smoke alarms connected to a central monitoring station. First, inform the service provider and follow his instructions.
Once in a year :
- Check its ability to detect smoke by exposing it to smoke by extinguishing a candle, within a reasonable distance, or by burning, in a secure container, an incense stick, or a cotton thread. Over time, corrosion, dust and grease can accumulate in the unit and adversely affect its operation.
Caution: Be VERY careful when using incandescent equipment to make smoke so as not to damage the unit, and not to cause a fire.
When to replace it
- Replace it ten years after the date of manufacture indicated on the case. If the date is missing, do not take any chances, replace it immediately.
- Replace it if it is damaged, painted, or does not emit a signal when replacing the battery or when testing for a smoke.
- Replace if the battery leaks and the battery terminals are corroded.
How to get rid of your old smoke alarms
Smoke alarms can be thrown in the trash with other household waste, since:
- No radiation passes through the metal case containing the sealed source.
- The amount of gamma radiation emitted by an ion chamber smoke alarm is minimal.
Responsibilities of owners and tenants
- Homeowners are required to install a smoke alarm in each dwelling that operates per story, as well as in corridors and stairwells.
- In a residential building, the tenant is generally responsible for the maintenance of the smoke alarm and its battery. However, this responsibility may be the subject of an agreement between the tenant and the landlord at the signing of the lease.
- Municipalities can also regulate the responsibility for maintaining the alarm and its battery.
Removing the Smoke Detector
- Remove the smoke detector cover. Turn the smoke detector or pull gently to remove it and see the motherboard and the battery case.
- Turn off the switch. Look for a small black switch on one side of the alarm. Some smoke detectors are designed with an on / off button and a test tab that you can press to turn it off.
- Disconnect the cable. You will see a small red or black cable that connects the smoke detector to the battery. Disconnect it so that the alarm does not have more energy.
- Remove the battery. You can remove it entirely from the unit by gently pulling it out of its casing.
Warning
The wired smoke detectors cannot be disarmed manually. You should call the fire department to assist in the shutdown of these types of alarms.
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